Friday, September 3, 2010

South African Advances!

New Element Discovered in South Africa to Be Included on the Periodic Table:

The Nuclear Physics Department of the University of Stellenbosch has discovered the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element, Governmentium (Gv), has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons, and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.

These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons. Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert; however, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A tiny amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction that would normally take less
than a second, to take from 4 days to 4 years to complete.

Governmentium has a normal half-life of 2 - 6 years. It does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places. In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each re-organization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes. This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration.

This hypothetical quantity is referred to as critical morass.

When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium, an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Mother's Day - Joy and Drudgery

Yesterday was Mother's Day - a bit of a mixed bag as days go. It highlighted for me the satisfaction I receive seeing each of my young men pursuing their unique purposes in their lives and in the world. Richard and Liesel spending time after church with an uncle and aunt, booking a wedding venue, and helping a soon to be sister-in-law with maths; Paul touching base with band friends; Allan, Ian and Julz continuing their paths in the Western Cape. It is a blessing to know that they have found their niches and are building their futures.

The drudgery of the continuous never ending tasks of running a household - as in washing, cooking, cleaning - is turned around by the appreciation received in terms of gifts, notes and words of affirmation. I was spoilt with flowers, a note, a 'Peter Rabbit' mug, a chatty sms, and the dishes being washed.

This photo was taken on Allan's 27th birthday in January.
From left, back: Allan, Shanley, Paul, Julz, Ian, Richard, Liesel.
From left, front: Beryl, Ned.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Towards Kingdom Life?

Not exactly the lion lying down with the lamb, but getting close - or what do you think?